How Much Does It Cost to Run a refrigerator?
A typical refrigerator uses about 150 watts, which costs about $0.03 per hour. Used 8 hours a day, that is $0.22 per day, $7 per month and about $79 per year at the US average of about 18 cents per kWh. Change the numbers below for your own model and rate.
Typical estimate: the compressor runs about a third of the day (roughly 8 hours). These are typical estimates – check your own label or use a plug-in meter for exact figures.
Refrigerator running cost by electricity rate
Rates vary widely across the country. $0.12 is typical of low-cost areas, $0.18 is about the national average, and $0.25–$0.35 or more is common in high-cost areas such as parts of California, New England and Hawaii.
| Rate per kWh | Per hour | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $0.12 | $0.018 | $0.14 | $4.38 | $53 |
| $0.18 | $0.027 | $0.22 | $6.57 | $79 |
| $0.25 | $0.038 | $0.30 | $9.13 | $110 |
| $0.35 | $0.053 | $0.42 | $12.78 | $153 |
Based on 150 W for 8 h/day; month = 30.42 days.
Cost by hours of use per day
| Hours per day | kWh per month | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 h | 27 | $0.16 | $4.93 | $59 |
| 8 h | 37 | $0.22 | $6.57 | $79 |
| 12 h | 55 | $0.32 | $9.86 | $118 |
At 18 cents per kWh and 150 W.
Low, typical and high wattage
A modern fridge draws about 100–250 W while the compressor runs and rests the rest of the time, which is why yearly use is only a few hundred kWh.
| Case | Watts | Per hour | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 100 | $0.018 | $4.38 | $53 |
| Typical | 150 | $0.027 | $6.57 | $79 |
| High | 250 | $0.045 | $10.95 | $131 |
At 8 h/day and 18 cents per kWh.
How it is calculated
150 W × 8 h ÷ 1,000 = 1.2 kWh per day
1.2 kWh × $0.18 = $0.22 per day
$0.22 × 30.42 days = $6.57 per month
How to cut the cost of running a refrigerator
- Vacuum the condenser coils (back or bottom grille) once or twice a year – dusty coils make the compressor run longer.
- Set the fridge to about 37°F and the freezer to 0°F; colder than that just burns power.
- Keep the fridge reasonably full – food and bottles hold cold and reduce the temperature swing when you open the door.
- An old second fridge in the garage is often the most expensive appliance per cubic foot. Compare its label or use a plug-in meter before keeping it.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a refrigerator per month?
At 18 cents per kWh, a typical 150 W refrigerator used 8 hours a day costs about $6.57 per month (37 kWh). That is about $79 a year.
How much does it cost to run a refrigerator per hour?
About $0.027 per hour at 18 cents per kWh, or $0.053 per hour if you pay 35 cents per kWh. Multiply by your hours of use to estimate any day.
Why does the cost of a refrigerator vary so much?
Wattage varies by model and setting – from 100 W to 250 W here. At the same 8 hours a day and 18 cents per kWh, that is $4 to $11 per month. Your electricity rate matters just as much: at 35 cents per kWh the typical unit costs $13 per month.